Buddhism
Monks and nuns in maroon robes, colorful prayer flags strung along trees at mountain ridges, and countless white-washed monasteries. It is hard not to notice that religion permeates every aspect of life in Bhutan. A majority of the population practices the Vajrayana or Mahayana branch of Buddhism, which has origins in Tibet.
In Bhutan, monks and nuns follow the teachings of the Kagyu school of Mahayana Buddhism. This involves praying for all living beings to be liberated from suffering. Whatever religion you may personally identify as, you will be enamored by the devotion of Bhutanese people to Buddhism and its teachings.
Before the advent of Buddhism, Bonism was prevalent in Bhutan. This is the worship of animate and inanimate forms of nature. Even today there are remnants of this religion in remote parts of the country. Buddhism was first introduced by the 8th century Tantric master Guru Rinpoche, who propagated the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism.
Another significant figure in the spread of Buddhism in the country is Phojo Drugom Zhigpo who introduced the Drukpa Kagyu sect. His descendants were instrumental in spreading Buddhism to regions of western Bhutan.
However, the greatest contributor to the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan was Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Arriving from Tibet in 1616, he brought various Buddhist schools to the country where they flourished under his domain. Zhabdrung also unified the country as one nation-state and gave it a unique national identity.
Buddhism in Bhutan is not just in rituals conducted once a year or in festivals at dzongs that people go to watch. It is in the morning offerings to the altar room, checking the newspaper for auspicious days to start projects in the afternoon and circumambulating a nearby chorten in the evening. An understanding of this religions' deep roots in the country will give you a better appreciation for Bhutanese architecture, culture and people.
